Your organization can Adopt a Trail in the Sandia Mountains.

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Adopt-A-Trail
The Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) program on the Sandia Ranger District is one of many similar programs throughout the state and nation. This program allows an interested group of individuals, organizations, or clubs to volunteer their time to help manage our National Forests. The group picks a trail that they have interests in (more on that below) and they become responsible for the general maintenance, repair and improvements for that trail (or section of trail). This program is strictly voluntary and the group sets it’s own dates for workdays throughout the year. The Forest Service provides all the tools necessary to complete the maintenance, some groups get donations from their clubs or businesses for materials such as wood and cement. We do ask that a trail receive three maintenance visits per year, however most AAT groups do more than the minimum visits.

When you choose to work on a trail you will be given a safety briefing. Safety is the first priority in the AAT Program; trails professionals will hold a training session with your group to show you how to correctly complete a task. While the group is volunteering, they are covered by Federal Workman’s Compensation during the time they are working on the trail.

What are the steps to adopt a trail?

  • Contact The Friends of the Sandia Mountains at 281-3421 or the Sandia Ranger Station at 281-3304 and arrange a meeting with the trails personnel. They have a list of trails that already have been adopted and can explain the Adopt-A-Trail program in greater detail.
  • Discuss the options with your group and choose a trail.
  • Complete the "Agreement for Sponsored Voluntary Services" and the "Adopt-A-Trail Information" forms and submit the to FOSM and the Sandia Ranger Station.
  • Set a meeting date with the trails personnel. Your first meeting will be a safety session with one of the trail crew and they will show you how to safely use the tools and some basic trail building skills. The trails personnel will also walk your trail and help you develop a list of items that your trail will need.
  • Your group will then be on your own to schedule workdays. Whenever possible, please coordinate your outing dates with either FOSM or the Sandia Ranger Station. If you need tools please call FOSM or the district a few days in advance so we can get together the tools you need.
  • The district personnel are always willing to come join you on your workdays and bring with them lots of experience. Please call ahead of time if you wish a trails person to join you so we can place you on our schedule.

How do I pick a trail my group would like to adopt?

Choosing a trail is one of the most important decisions that your group will have to make. The Sandia Ranger District has over 265 miles of trail, and plenty of diversity, so there’s a trail out there that’s just right for you.

  • Consider your Group’s interests. A bicycle group would probably not be interested in working on a wilderness trail, as bikes are not allowed in wilderness. Nor would a cross-country ski group be interested in working on a low elevation trail with little snowfall.
  • Consider the physical abilities of your group. A group with young children or elderly would probably not pick a trail that is difficult to reach and has lots of difficult trail maintenance.
  • What time is your group available for work on your trail? Does your group have time in the summer? Winter? Or year round? The elevation of a trail determines when a trail can be worked. Winter would limit any high elevation work, whereas summer in the low country could be unbearably hot.
  • How many workers can you expect on any given day? Choosing a long difficult trail for a small group would take the fun out of your volunteer time, whereas a large group would get bored on a short and easy trail.

Your group may change your trail at any time. Members change, interest picks up, your trail building skills increase, or you feel a shorter trail would fit your group better. Flexibility is the key of the AAT Program.

Download Information Packets:

Click here for an information packet (in PDF format) that has been created to explain the Adopt-A-Trail Program and solicit your participation.

New organizations are required to fill-out the USFS Volunteer Agreement (click here to download) and the Adopt-A-Trail Information Form (click here to download). Existing organizations are required to fill-out the AAT Trail Report (click here to download) and Pre-Work Safety Form (click here to download).

E-mail the completed forms to: adoptatrail@friendsofthesandias.org

For more information you may contact:
Don Carnicom at (505) 281-3421
Or write
Friends of the Sandia Mountains
P.O. Box 1832
Tijeras, New Mexico 8705
   
     

@Copyright 2008 Friends of the Sandia Mountains. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: Sally Lowder